Why is iodine deficiency especially dangerous during pregnancy and early infancy?

Iodine is essential for the production of thyroid hormones, which are critical for normal growth and the proper development and function of the brain.12

During pregnancy and early infancy, iodine deficiency is particularly dangerous because it can lead to severe and often irreversible developmental consequences. The risks include:13

• Cretinism: Severe deficiency during gestation and the first months of life can result in cretinism, a condition characterized by irreversible intellectual disability, short stature, and other developmental abnormalities.13
• Pregnancy Complications: Inadequate iodine levels increase the risk of miscarriage and stillbirth.3
• Cognitive and Neuromuscular Deficits: Even in cases less severe than cretinism, chronic deficiency can cause pervasive cognitive and neuromuscular impairments.3

Because thyroid hormone is necessary for cells to develop and function properly, especially in the brain, early diagnosis and treatment are vital to prevent permanent damage. Ensuring adequate iodine intake—often through iodized salt—is a critical public health priority to prevent these outcomes.213